Atmospheric monitoring sensor node

ABSTRACT

A sensor node includes a sensor node printed circuit board, a sensor module, and a communication module. The sensor node printed circuit board manages power of the sensor node circuitry, the sensor module and the communication module such that power is provided from a primary power supply supplemented by a secondary power supply. The sensor module includes a plurality of air quality sensors to measure the concentration of air pollutants. The sensor module may be replaceable. The communication module may communicate air quality measurements to and receive configurations from a data management platform, which may perform processes to improve the accuracy of the air quality measurements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent applicationSer. No. 62/753,548, entitled “ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING SENSOR NODE”,filed Oct. 31, 2018, in the United States Patent Office, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide andrepresents a high cost in terms of welfare spending. Therefore,governments and other organizations are mandated to monitor air qualityand reduce exposure of people to air pollution. Conventionally, airquality within a given region, for example in a city, is monitored usingexpensive monitoring equipment with bulky size, high cost, and highmaintenance requirements. Due to budget and space constraints, theconventional monitoring systems and methods may only be deployed atsparse locations within the region, which limits the ability ofacquiring air quality information with high spatiotemporal resolution.The limitations in air quality information may hinder the ability totake effective actions for reducing air pollution. To address the needfor air quality information with higher spatiotemporal resolution, thedeployment of dense networks composed of numerous low-cost, internetconnected environmental sensors (sensor nodes) is attractive. However,the accuracy of sensor nodes may be lower than that of the conventionalmonitoring equipment (monitors), which causes concerns regarding theaccuracy of the information they acquire. Therefore, there is a need toprovide systems and methods for hyperlocal monitoring of air qualitywithin a given region with high spatiotemporal resolution and highmeasurement accuracy. Furthermore, increasing the number of monitoringsites could result in an increase of device deployment and maintenancecost. Thus, there is a need for systems that can be efficiently deployedand maintained.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One or more improved systems, methods, and/or apparatuses acquire airquality measurements within a given region with high spatiotemporalresolution and high measurement accuracy. Hyperlocal monitoring of airquality within a given region may occur through the deployment of adense network of environmental sensor nodes. Systems, methods, and/orapparatuses are further provided to ensure and enhance the accuracy ofthe measurements of said sensor nodes, and that enable the quick andscalable deployment of a dense network of said sensor nodes.

A compact sensor apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a power moduleconfigured to supply a reliable power supply from a primary power sourcesupplemented by a secondary power source. The apparatus furthercomprises a sensor module configured to monitor a gas, such as ambientair, for one or more characteristics. The apparatus comprises acommunication module configured to establish a wireless communicationchannel over a network with a host. The apparatus further comprises acontroller configured to manage the sensor module and to sendmeasurement data to the host by way of the wireless communicationchannel. The apparatus comprises a printed circuit board configured tointerconnect the power module, reliable power supply, controller, andcommunication module. Finally, the apparatus comprises an enclosureconfigured to house the printed circuit board, power module, sensormodule, communication module, and controller.

A system is disclosed comprising an interchangeable sensor moduleconfigured to monitor an air sample for one or more characteristics. Thesystem further comprises an enclosure comprising the interchangeablesensor module, a power module configured to supply power, acommunication module configured to establish a wireless communicationchannel over a network with a host, a controller configured to managethe interchangeable sensor module and to send measurement data to thehost by way of the wireless communication channel. Finally, the systemcomprises a universal mount configured to mount the enclosure in aplurality of mounting configurations.

A method is disclosed, which comprises placing a first sensor node neara reference monitor within a region. The method next comprises placing aplurality of sensor nodes at various locations within the region. Themethod further comprises gathering measurement data from the firstsensor node, the reference monitor, and the plurality of sensor nodes.Then the method comprises determining a calibration profile for each ofthe first sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes based onmeasurement data from the reference monitor. Finally, the methodcomprises applying the calibration profile for each of the first sensornode and the plurality of sensor nodes to measurement data from each ofthe first sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes to obtaincalibrated measurement data for each of the sensor nodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, themost significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to thefigure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a sensor node100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a printed circuit board200.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a sensor node300.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a sensor node 400 in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a dual sensor module configuration 500 in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of aninterchangeable sensor module 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a sensor module printedcircuit board 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor module 800 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a hyperlocal air quality monitoringsystem 900.

FIG. 10 illustrates a routine in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a calibration method 1100.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor module measurement method1200.

FIG. 13 is an example block diagram of a computing device 1300 that mayincorporate certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A compact sensor apparatus in the form of a sensor node is disclosedherein. The sensor node may be considered compact in that it may bebetween 50 mm and 200 mm in length, between 40 mm and 100 mm in width,and between 40 mm and 100 mm in depth. The sensor node may weigh lessthan 1500 grams. The sensor node includes a printed circuit board, acommunication module, and a sensor module enclosed in a weatherproofenclosure. “Sensor node” refers to a device or apparatus configured asrecited in one or more of claims of this disclosure. In particular, asensor node is a lightweight, compact device configured to include itsown power source(s) and to communicate measurement data over a wirelesscommunication channel to a host. “Sensor module” refers to a device,component, circuit, system, chip, or circuitry configured to detectand/or measure one or more characteristics of matter. A sensor module,in one embodiment, detects and/or measures levels of certain elementsand/or particulates in a gas or a gas mixture, including, but notlimited to, air. “Gas” refers to any substance or combination ofsubstances in a gaseous state of matter. Examples of a gas include, butare not limited to, ambient air, driven air, a gas of a single elementlike hydrogen, nitrogen, or the like, or a gas of a compound such aschlorine, nitrous oxide, or the like. Furthermore, as used herein gasrefers to substances that are a pure composition of one or more elementsas well as substances that include contaminants, both gaseouscontaminants and particulate contaminants. The modularity of the sensornode enables it to be configured differently depending on deploymentscenarios to ensure scalable deployment of a dense sensor network in aregion where air quality is measured.

The sensor node printed circuit board includes a controller thatcollects data from the sensor module and sends it to a data managementplatform using the communication module, and a power module that managespower delivery, battery charging and power monitoring. The communicationmodule may interface with the sensor node printed circuit board via miniPCIe interface and may use any wireless technology including but notlimited to WiFi, LTE, LoRa™ and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) to send datafrom the sensor node to the data management platform.

The sensor module may interface with the sensor node printed circuitboard via wire to board connectors. The sensor module includes aplurality of air quality sensors, which may measure the concentration ofair pollutants. The sensor module may include at least one air qualitysensor with an active sampling mechanism, such as a fan or a blower. Thestructure of the sensor module and the placement of the air qualitysensors within the sensor module may be configured in such a way thatthe active sampling mechanism of one of the air quality sensors is usedto expose all air quality sensors in the sensor module to samples of airfrom the ambient environment.

The sensor module may store instructions to measure the concentration ofseveral air pollutants through several air quality sensors. The sensornode may be further configured to acquire air quality measurements,communicate air quality measurements to a data management platform, andreceive configurations from a data management platform. Thecommunication between sensor node and data management platform may bethrough a data network that is configured in a secure way and with lowdata overhead.

In further embodiments, a solar panel is mounted to the front of thesensor node through a gimbal fastener. The gimbal fastener may beoriented to maximize the exposure of the solar panel to direct sunlight.In certain embodiments, a user or technician may orient the solar panelin the field by adjusting the gimbal fastener. The solar panel may becoupled to the power module within the sensor node through a connector.

Hyperlocal air quality monitoring may include multiple sensor nodesdeployed in a region. The system may include sensor nodes that aredeployed in close proximity to highly accurate monitors found in theregion. The system includes a data management platform that isconfigured to receive and process air quality measurements acquired bythe sensor nodes and the monitors, identify co-location pairs as pairsof sensor nodes and monitors that are in close proximity to each other,create calibration profiles by calibrating the sensor nodes against theco-located monitors, correct measurements from sensor nodes according tothe calibration profiles, store information in storage media and makeinformation stored in storage media available to data consumers throughdata interfaces.

The system may include a method to identify co-location pairs as pairsof sensor nodes and monitors that are deployed in close proximity toeach other, and to calculate calibration profiles by calibrating thesensor nodes against the co-located monitors. Other sensor nodes mayhave their measurements corrected by applying a calibration profile.

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a system 1 that may include asensor node 100 according to certain embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter. The sensor node 100 may comprise a communication module102, a controller 104, a power module 106, a primary power source 108, asecondary power source 110, a reliable power supply 112, an input/outputconnector 114, an enclosure 116, a printed circuit board 200, and aninterchangeable sensor module 600.

The communication module 102 may be configured to establish a wirelesscommunication channel 122 over a network 118 of system 1 with a host 120of system 1. “Host” refers to any computing device or computer device orcomputer system configured to send and receive commands. Examples of ahost include, but are not limited to, a computer, a laptop, a mobiledevice, an appliance, a virtual machine, an enterprise server, adesktop, a tablet, a main frame, and the like. “Wireless communicationchannel” refers to a communication media configured to exchangeinformation in the form of structured data between a sender and areceiver. A wireless communication channel includes a communicationchannel for which one or more of the links in the channel is between twocomponents that are not connected by an electrical conductor. Oneexample of a wireless communication technology is radio waves, but otherforms of electromagnetic waves may be used. (“Wireless.” Wikipedia. Sep.9, 2019. Accessed Sep. 9, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless.)

The network 118 may be a communication network 1306 and the host 120 maybe a computing device 1300 as illustrated in FIG. 13. The communicationmodule 102 may further be configured to receive instructions from a datamanagement platform to operate a sensor module. In one embodiment, thedata management platform is operating on a host 120. The communicationmodule 102 may receive a command to operate the sensor module per theinstructions and may send a reading to the data management platform.

The controller 104 may be configured to manage the interchangeablesensor module 600 and send measurement data 124 to the host 120 by meansof the wireless communication channel 122. “Controller” refers to anyhardware, device, component, element, circuitry, or circuit configuredto manage and control another software, hardware, firmware, or logicunit, component, device, or component. The controller 104 may storeinstructions to operate the interchangeable sensor module 600. Thecontroller may receive a first current from a power source and may thenoperate the interchangeable sensor module 600 in response to a command.

The interchangeable sensor module 600 may be atmospherically isolatedfrom the communication module 102 and the controller 104. This may beaccomplished though O-rings or other seals surrounding openings in thebody of the interchangeable sensor module 600. Holes necessary to mountor otherwise affix the interchangeable sensor module 600 within thesensor node 100 may be similarly sealed or located on tabs on theperiphery of the interchangeable sensor module 600, such that the holesdo not cause an incursion into the body of the interchangeable sensormodule 600.

The interchangeable sensor module 600 may comprise one or more airquality sensors. The interchangeable sensor module 600 may receive asecond current from the power source and may operate a fan utilizing thesecond current in response to the command to direct an aerosol stream,such as a gas, from an ambient environment external to an inlet port, tothe one or more air quality sensors, and out of an outlet port. Theinterchangeable sensor module 600 may operate each of the one or moreair quality sensors to generate a series of measurements before, during,or after operation of the fan and may generate the reading for each ofthe one or more air quality sensors from the series of measurement. Thereading may then operate the data management platform to generate ameasurement by selecting a co-location pair for the sensor node based ona location of the sensor node, determining a calibration model from theco-location pair, and generating the corrected measurement by applyingthe calibration model to the reading, the data management platformstoring the reading and the corrected measurement. “Co-location pair”refers to a pair of sensors comprising at least one sensor node and onereference monitor positioned within a distance limit from each other.The distance limit is defined such that, if the distance between areference monitor and a sensor node is at or less than the distancelimit, the reference monitor and the sensor node are considered to beexposed to the same concentration of gas(es) and/or gas pollutants suchas air pollutants.

The power module 106 may be configured to supply a reliable power supply112 from a primary power source 108, such as a solar panel, supplementedby a secondary power source 110, such as a battery. The battery may berechargeable, such that while enough power is available from the primarypower source 108, the secondary power source 110 or battery may berecharged, storing the excess solar energy for later use. “Power module”refers to any hardware, device, component, chip, element, circuitry, orcircuit configured to manage how much electrical power is provided to acircuit, circuitry, system, or subsystem. In one embodiment, a powermodule is a circuit of electrical components organized and housed withina single chip or other electrical component. In one embodiment, thepower module is configured to constantly monitor current and/or voltageuse and automatically connect a battery when the current and/or voltageused by a connected circuit drops below a threshold level. In oneembodiment, the power module is configured to automatically charge aconnected battery when the current and/or voltage supplied by a primarypower source exceeds the current and/or voltage drawn by a connectedcircuit. In one embodiment, the power module may include a batterycharger with power path management such as those available fromMicrochip Technology Inc. of Chandler Ariz. and may include othercomponents such as a buck-boost converter, a battery monitor, and thelike. “Power source” refers to a source of electrical energy for one ormore electrical circuits connected to the power source. “Reliable powersupply” refers to electrical energy converted from electrical potentialenergy at a specific rate per unit of time that is maintained at thespecific rate per unit of time within an acceptable tolerance level forproper operation of one or more electrical circuits connected to thereliable power supply and which electrical circuits provide anelectrical load. “Primary power source” refers to a power source for oneor more electrical circuits that an electrical design of the one or moreelectrical circuits expects to be available a majority of the time andis designed to provide a majority of the electrical energy used by theone or more electrical circuits. “Secondary power source” refers to apower source for one or more electrical circuits that an electricaldesign of the one or more electrical circuits expects to be availableless than a majority of the time and is expected to provide less than amajority of the electrical energy used by the one or more electricalcircuits.

A printed circuit board 200 may be configured to interconnect thecommunication module 102, controller 104, and power module 106. Theprinted circuit board 200 may also comprise an input/output connector114 configured to permit an interchangeable sensor module 600 to becoupled to the printed circuit board 200 for ease of maintenance,repair, or upgrade. Additional information regarding the printed circuitboard 200 is provided with regard to FIG. 2. The interchangeable sensormodule 600 is described in more detail with regard to FIG. 6.

An enclosure 116 may be configured to have walls forming an enclosedspace, the walls having an inlet and an outlet aligned with inlet andoutlet ports of the interchangeable sensor module 600. The enclosure 116may house the printed circuit board 200, the interchangeable sensormodule 600, and all other sensors and associated components, providingprotection from environmental conditions as well as providing anisolated internal environment to facilitate accurate sensor readings.The modularity of the sensor node may enable the sensor node to beconfigured differently depending on deployment scenarios to ensurescalable deployment of a dense sensor network in a region where airquality is measured.

FIG. 2 illustrates a printed circuit board 200 in accordance with oneembodiment. The printed circuit board 200 may comprise a DC power input202, an input protection 204, a current sensor 206, a power managementcircuit 208, a battery 210, a battery monitor 212, a buck-boostconverter 214, a controller 104, a magnetic buzzer 216, a communicationmodule 102, a SIM interface 218, an antenna 220, and a sensor moduleprinted circuit board 700.

Those skilled in the art may realize that the DC power input 202, inputprotection 204, current sensor 206, power management circuit 208,battery 210, battery monitor 212, buck-boost converter 214, and othercomponents such as low-dropout regulators may be used to realize thepower module 106 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The power management circuit 208 may be configured to monitor anelectrical load and maintain the reliable power supply by selectivelysupplying supplemental power from the secondary power source, such asthe battery 210, in response to the primary power source, such as awired power supply 224 or solar power module 222, supplying power belowa threshold. “Wired power supply” refers to a power source that providespower by way of an electrical conductor. In one example embodiment, awired power supply is an alternating current available over a power gridfor a community or city delivered over a power network, which isconverted to a direct current power supply by a wired power supplycomponent such as an AC power adapter.

The power management circuit 208 may also be configured to charge thebattery 210 from the DC power input 202 when enough power is available.In some embodiments, primary power may be supplied by the battery. Solarpower may function as a secondary power source to recharge the battery.

Those skilled in the art may also realize that the controller 104 may bea microcontroller (MCU) that may control the power module, receive andprocess a plurality of statuses and measurements from the power module,and communicate with the interchangeable sensor module 600, thecommunication module 102 and other external hosts through various serialcommunication protocols. Means of connection to external hosts mayinclude a programming header, a debugging header, reset control, a SIMinterface 218, and an antenna 220.

The device may provide audible feedback when it is set up and/orconnected to the network. This audible feedback may be provided by meansof a magnetic buzzer 216 powered by the power module and controlled bythe controller 104. The device may provide audible notificationsindicating that it has successfully powered on, that it has successfullyconnected to a network, that it has failed to connect with the network,and when its battery is low. Installation and configuration may in someembodiments be facilitated by interaction with an application availableonline, on a host device, or via a mobile application on a mobiledevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a sensor node 300 in accordancewith one embodiment. The sensor node 300 comprises an enclosure 116 thatmay be configured as an enclosure lid 302 and an enclosure body 304. Theenclosure lid 302 may include a gimbal fastener 306 which engages asolar panel mounting structure 308 on a solar power module 222 in orderto integrate the solar power module 222 with the system. The gimbalfastener 306 may allow for the orientation of the solar panel mountingstructure 308 to be adjusted such that maximum exposure of the solarpanel 310 to direct sunlight is achieved. Such an adjustment may be madeby the installer or by a user at the location where the sensor node 300is installed.

The solar power module 222 may provide primary power to the printedcircuit board 200, as discussed in detail with regard to FIG. 2, byconnecting to the power module 106 of the printed circuit board 200 bymeans of a solar panel electrical coupling 312 connected to the DC powerinput 202. Additional, secondary power may be provided by a battery 210,secured in the enclosure 116 with a battery mount 314. The enclosure mayalso in some embodiments comprise a separate battery compartment. Someembodiments may include an AC power connection in addition to or insteadof either or both of the solar power module 222 and battery 210.

The printed circuit board 200 may be configured as an interface betweenthe communication module 102, controller 104, power module 106, andinterchangeable sensor module 600 as described with regard to FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. The communication module 102 may send data to an external hostby means of the antenna 220.

The enclosure body 304 may be configured with a first opening 316 and asecond opening 318, sized and positioned to align with the inlet port320 and outlet port 322 of the interchangeable sensor module 600,respectively. The openings may allow airflow to reach theinterchangeable sensor module 600 through an inflow filter 324 and anoutflow filter 326. The first opening 316 and inflow filter 324 mayreceive air samples from the environment. After the air sample has beenprocessed through, for example, the interchangeable sensor module 600the air sample may be returned to the environment through the secondopening 318 and the outflow filter 326. The interchangeable sensormodule 600 may attach to the printed circuit board 200 by means ofremovable fasteners 328 placed through holes 330 for removable fastenersincorporated into the body of the interchangeable sensor module 600.

The enclosure body 304 may also be configured with a vent 332. A nodemount 334 may attach to the enclosure body 304, allowing the sensor node300 to be mounted to a structure using the node mount 334. The nodemount 334 may include a plurality of mounting holes for screws, nuts,bolts, or other fastening devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a sensor node 400 with the enclosurelid 302 removed, in accordance with one embodiment. The sensor node 400comprises an enclosure body 304 that encompasses an interchangeablesensor module 600 and a printed circuit board 200 that includes acommunication module 102, a power module 106 and a controller. Thesensor node 400 may additionally comprise a universal mount 402configured to mount the enclosure body 304 in a plurality of mountingconfigurations. “Universal mount” refers to a plate, bracket or the likeconfigured with one or more holes and/or one or more slots arranged andsized to accept one or more fasteners to secure the mount to a wall,fence, or pole and to secure a sensor node to the universal mount.

The printed circuit board 200 with communication module 102, controller,and power module 106, may be substantially the same as those illustratedin FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The power module 106 may be configured to acceptpower from a solar power module that may supply current as a primarypower source. The power module 106 may also be configured to acceptpower from a battery configured to selectively supply current as aprimary power source and/or to supplement power supplied by the solarpower module.

The interchangeable sensor module 600 may be configured to monitor anair sample for one or more characteristics, such as air quality orconcentrations of specific gases or particulates. “Characteristic”refers to any property, trait, quality, or attribute of an object orthing. (“characteristic” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2019.Web. 27 Aug. 2019.) Examples of characteristics include, but are notlimited to, chemical composition, water content, temperature, relativehumidity, particulate count, contaminant count, and the like.

The interchangeable sensor module 600 may comprise an inlet port 320 andan outlet port 322. In some embodiments, the interchangeable sensormodule 600 may be an air quality sensor. Air quality sensors maycomprise an airflow structure, a particle counter, and at least oneother air quality sensor. Such a sensor module may form an airflowstructure to direct an aerosol stream to the at least one other airquality sensor before directing the aerosol stream to the particlecounter. See FIG. 6 for additional detail.

The enclosure body 304 may be configured with openings sized andpositioned to align with the inlet port 320 and outlet port 322 of theinterchangeable sensor module 600, respectively. The openings may allowairflow to reach the interchangeable sensor module 600 through an inflowfilter and an outflow filter. The inlet port 320 may receive air samplesfrom the environment through the opening in the enclosure body 304 andthe inflow filter. After the air sample has been processed through, forexample, the interchangeable sensor module 600, the air sample may bereturned to the environment through the outlet port 322 through theopening in the enclosure body 304 and the outflow filter.

In addition to the enclosure body 304 and the enclosure lid 302 (shownin FIG. 3), the enclosure 116 comprising the enclosure lid 302 andenclosure body 304 may also comprise one or more seals. The enclosurelid 302 may fasten to the enclosure body 304 by means of removablefasteners. “Removable fastener” refers to any fastener configured to beremoved using conventional tools such as a screwdriver, a wrench, a nutdriver, or the like. Removable fasteners may be made of a variety ofmaterials including metal, plastic, composite materials, metal alloys,plastic composites, and the like. Examples of removable fastenersinclude, but are not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, posts, pins, thumbscrews, and the like.

The seals, openings, and enclosure lid 302 may be configured to engagethe enclosure body 304 to provide a liquid ingress protection ratinggreater than four. “Ingress protection rating” refers to a rating systemthat defines the level that an enclosure protects internal componentsfrom ingress of solid objects, liquids, and gases. Engineering ToolBox,(2003). IP—ingress protection rating. [online] Available at:https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/ip-ingress-protection-d_452.html 5Sep. 2019. In this manner, the electronics within the sensor node 400may be isolated and protected from environmental conditions. In anotherembodiment, the electronics of the sensor node 400 may be isolated fromthe air sample chambers such that only the air sample chambers areexposed to a gas mixture sample.

In another embodiment, the enclosure may comprise a body and a lid,wherein the lid is permanently connected to the body. In thisembodiment, the enclosure may comprise an opening and a door configuredto seal the opening from moisture ingress when the door is closed. Thisopening may be sized to slidably accept the interchangeable sensormodule 600.

In some embodiments, the sensor node 400 may further comprise a secondinterchangeable sensor module configured to monitor one or moreenvironmental characteristics. The second interchangeable sensor modulemay be configured to sit within the enclosure and may removably coupleto the controller and the power module.

FIG. 5 illustrates dual sensor module configuration 500 in accordancewith some embodiments. The sensor node may comprise an enclosureconfigured to accommodate two interchangeable sensor modules.

A top view of an enclosure for two stacked sensor modules 502 is shownwith dotted lines indicating the footprint that a stacked firstinterchangeable sensor module 506 and second interchangeable sensormodule 508 would occupy within the enclosure. A side view of anenclosure for two stacked sensor modules 504 is also illustrated,showing the second interchangeable sensor module 508 stacked atop thefirst interchangeable sensor module 506. This is one embodiment, and isnot intended to limit the possible configurations.

A top view of an enclosure for two side-by-side sensor modules 510 isalso shown, along with a side view of an enclosure for two side-by-sidesensor modules 512. Both enclosures 510/512 are configured to house afirst interchangeable sensor module 514 and a second interchangeablesensor module 516 arranged side by side. This is one embodiment, and isnot intended to limit the possible configurations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an interchangeable sensor module 600 in accordancewith one embodiment. “Interchangeable sensor module” refers to a sensormodule specifically designed to be removed from a larger unit, system,subsystem, or the like. In certain embodiments, the interchangeablesensor module includes one or more holes or openings each configured toreceive a removable fastener such as a screw, a bolt, a pin, or thelike. In certain embodiments, the interchangeable sensor module includesone or more clips, tabs, slots, or other structural componentsconfigured to engage corresponding structural components of a housing orbracket of a larger system or subsystem, such that the interchangeablesensor module is configured to engage and disengage with the housing orbracket to install or remove the interchangeable sensor module. Theinterchangeable sensor module 600 comprises an airflow structure 602, aninlet port 320, an outlet port 322, a top buffer 604, a bottom buffer606, an O-ring 608, a sensor module printed circuit board 700, a sensor610, a sensor 612, a sensor 614, and a particle counter 616.

The airflow structure 602 may be airtight with the help of the O-ring608 such that any air samples are fully contained and analyzed withinthe airflow structure 602. The interchangeable sensor module 600 mayinclude at least one air quality sensor with an active samplingmechanism, such as a fan or a blower. The interchangeable sensor module600 may include an inlet port 320 for drawing in the air sample and anoutlet port 322 for expelling the sampled air.

The sensor module printed circuit board 700 may comprise and/or connecta plurality of electrical components configured to perform the sensingfunctions necessary to detect and analyze air quality conditions. Thesensor module printed circuit board 700 is illustrated in more detail inFIG. 7.

The interchangeable sensor module 600 may include a plurality of airquality sensors such as a sensor 610, a sensor 612, and a sensor 614,which may measure the concentration of air pollutants. These sensors maybe located in the airflow structure 602 and mounted to the sensor moduleprinted circuit board 700.

The structure of the interchangeable sensor module 600 and the placementof the air quality sensors within the interchangeable sensor module 600may be configured in such a way that the active sampling mechanism ofone of the air quality sensors is used to expose all air quality sensorsin the interchangeable sensor module 600 to samples of air from theambient environment.

The particle counter 616 may be sandwiched between the top buffer 604and the bottom buffer 606 to reduce vibration and electrically isolateits metal chassis from the sensor module printed circuit board 700. Theenclosure illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may be configured toatmospherically isolate the interchangeable sensor module 600 from thepower module, communication module, and controller. The sensor node mayinclude removable fasteners configured to engage the enclosure and theinterchangeable sensor module 600.

A modular air sensor or gas sensor design may be employed, such that arange of sensor modules may be connected to each sensor node. Sensormodules may be easily installed, removed, and replaced for repair orupgrade, or may provide a range of sensor types to measure specific aircomponents in specific locations. Such swappable sensor modules mayconnect to the sensor node PCB by means of a standard connector.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sensor module printed circuit board 700 inaccordance with one embodiment. The sensor module printed circuit board700 may comprise an input/output connector 702, a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter 704, a digital enable input pin 706, a DC inputpower 708, an electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interferencefilter 710, a low-dropout regulator 712, a switch 714, a switch 716, asensor node controller 718, a low-dropout regulator 720, an isolator722, a level shifter 724, light emitting diodes 726, a particulatematter sensor 728, an electrochemical gas analyzer 730, a relativehumidity sensor 732, and an equivalent carbon dioxide and total volatileorganic compounds sensor 734.

In another embodiment, a sensor module may contain multiple air qualitysensors. Those skilled in the art may realize that the aforementionedcomponents can be used to realize a sensor module that may gather sensormeasurements from a plurality of sensors and send the sensormeasurements to a host device (such as a sensor node) upon request viaserial interface.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor module 800 inaccordance with one embodiment. The sensor module 800 comprises anairflow structure 602, an inlet port 320, an outlet port 322, a sensor610, a sensor 612, a sensor 614, and holes 330 for removable fasteners.

The enclosure encompassing the sensor module 800 may be configured toatmospherically isolate the sensor module 800 from the power module,communication module, and controller. The holes 330 may be configured toaccept removable fasteners such as screws to engage the enclosure andthe holes 330. These holes 330 may be located on tabs which extend atthe periphery of the interchangeable sensor module 600 body, and in thismanner provide mounting holes that do not cause an incursion into theinterchangeable sensor module 600 body, and thus do not need to besealed to maintain atmospheric isolation of the sample being tested.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other forms of connectorsor fasteners other than holes 330 and/or removable fasteners forcoupling the sensor module 800 to the enclosure.

To change out an interchangeable sensor module, a user may open theenclosure of the sensor node to access the sensor module 800. This maybe accomplished by removing the enclosure lid in some embodiments. Inother embodiments not illustrated, the enclosure may be configured witha sensor module aperture with a latched and sealed door, or some otherconfiguration allowing access to the sensor module 800 while providingadequate isolation from the environment around the sensor node.

After accessing the sensor module 800, The user may remove the removablefasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, latches, or other fastening devices),thus releasing the sensor module 800 from mounting hardware incorporatedinto the enclosure or sensor node PCB. The user may attach a newinterchangeable sensor module in place of the one removed, securing itby replacing the removable fasteners through the holes 330 located onthe new sensor module. This is only one embodiment. Interchangeablesensor modules may alternatively incorporate captive fasteners that maybe disengaged from the enclosure and/or sensor node PCB but remainattached to the sensor module. The sensor node may alternately include alatching mechanism holding interchangeable sensor modules in place wheninstalled. Any combination of these methods may be used to secure thesensor module 800 in place within the sensor node while allowing easychange out to facilitate repairs or upgrades.

An airflow path 802 is illustrated, using black arrows to show how airfrom the surrounding environment passes through the sensor module 800.The airflow may travel in through the inlet port 320 into a series ofbaffles designed into the airflow structure 602, configured to directthe air over at least one air quality sensor. In the illustratedembodiment, the air is directed across sensor 614, then passes oversensor 612. The air is then directed in the opposite direction to passover sensor 610 before entering the particle counter 616. After passingthrough the particle counter 616, the air exits the airflow structure602 and flows out through the outlet port 322.

In this manner, and due to the isolation provided by the airflowstructure 602, as well as the O-ring 608, and the enclosure itself, thevolume of air being sampled, tested, and analyzed, may remain isolatedfrom the environment both inside and outside the enclosure.

FIG. 9 is a system diagram illustrating a hyperlocal air qualitymonitoring system 900 deployed in a region 906 in accordance withcertain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

The hyperlocal air quality monitoring system 900 may comprise a firstsensor node 902, a plurality of sensor nodes 904, and a region 906. Theplurality of sensor nodes 904 may comprise a sensor node 908, a sensornode 910, a sensor node 912, a sensor node 914, a sensor node 916, and asensor node 918. The hyperlocal air quality monitoring system 900 mayfurther comprise data management platform 920, a storage control memorystructure 922, a reference monitor 924, a reference monitor 926, areference monitor 928, a reference monitor 930, a data control memorystructure 932, a data control memory structure 934, a data controlmemory structure 936, a co-location pair 938, a co-location pair 940, adata interface 942, a data consumer 944, and a data consumer 946. Anynumber of sensor nodes, monitors, data control memory structures, etc.,may be utilized herein, and the number is not limited to the ones inFIG. 9.

The hyperlocal air quality monitoring system 900 may be configured toimplement the method disclosed herein. A first sensor node 902 may beplaced near a reference monitor 924 within a region 906. A plurality ofsensor nodes 904 may then be placed at various locations within theregion 906. Measurement data may be gathered from the first sensor node902, the reference monitor 924, and the plurality of sensor nodes 904. Acalibration profile may be determined for each of the first sensor node902 and the plurality of sensor nodes 904 based on measurement data fromthe reference monitor 924. In one embodiment, the calibration profilemay be determined for each of the first sensor node 902 and theplurality of sensor nodes 904 based on measurement data from thereference monitor 924 and measurement data from the first sensor node902. The calibration profile for each of the first sensor node 902 andthe plurality of sensor nodes 904 may be applied to measurement datafrom each of the first sensor node 902 and the plurality of sensor nodes904 to obtain calibrated measurement data for each of the sensor nodes.

In one embodiment, the hyperlocal air quality monitoring system 900deployed in region 906 may be composed of multiple sensor nodes (thefirst sensor node 902, the sensor node 908, the sensor node 910, thesensor node 912, the sensor node 914, the sensor node 916, and thesensor node 918) deployed at known locations within region 906 where itis desired to measure air quality, and a data management platform 920.The sensor nodes periodically acquire air quality measurements andcommunicate said measurements to the data management platform. The datamanagement platform is configured to receive information from the sensornodes and store it in a storage control memory structure 922. As anon-limiting example, the sensor nodes are low-cost air quality sensorsthat communicate air quality measurements to the data managementplatform 920 wirelessly through a data network, and the data managementplatform 920 is a combination of controllers, data processors, softwareservices, control memory structures, and the like. As a non-limitingexample, it is desired to measure the air quality at several outdoorlocations in a city, and the sensor nodes are mounted at those locationsto city furniture, building walls, or other infrastructure.

Reference monitors (a reference monitor 924, a reference monitor 926, areference monitor 928, and a reference monitor 930) are found at knownlocations within region 906 and periodically acquire air qualitymeasurements and publish said measurements to data control memorystructures (a data control memory structure 932, a data control memorystructure 934, and a data control memory structure 936). “Referencemonitor” refers to a gas monitor such as an air monitor approved by amunicipal, state, or other governmental agency for use in tracking thecomposition and make up of air in a given location. A reference monitoris calibrated and certified to provide measurement data that is accurateand reliable for determining a quality measure for air in the regionserviced by the reference monitor.

The data management platform 920 is configured to periodically retrieveinformation from the data control memory structures and store it in thestorage control memory structure 922. As a non-limiting example, themonitors are highly accurate air quality monitoring stations operated bygovernmental agencies or other organizations, with measurement accuracythat may be higher than the accuracy of the sensor nodes, and the datacontrol memory structures are online data sharing platforms wheregovernmental agencies or other organizations openly publish air qualitymonitoring information for divulgation with the public. The datamanagement platform 920 is configured to perform processes aimed atincreasing the accuracy of the measurements acquired by the sensornodes.

Some sensor nodes may be purposefully deployed at close proximity tosome monitors with the aim of increasing the accuracy of themeasurements acquired by the sensor nodes. Pairs of sensor nodes andmonitors with distance from each other that is below a distance limitare considered co-located and called co-location pairs (e.g., aco-location pair 938 and a co-location pair 940). Said distance limit isselected in such a way that, if the distance between a reference monitorand a sensor node is lower than the distance limit, the referencemonitor and the sensor node may be considered to be exposed to the sameconcentration of air pollutants. As a non-limiting example, the sensornode 908 and the reference monitor 928 compose the co-location pair 938,and the sensor node 916 and the reference monitor 924 compose theco-location pair 940.

In one process, the data management platform 920 identifies theco-location pairs as a sensor node and a reference monitor with adistance from each other that is within a distance limit and comparesfor each co-location pair the measurements from the sensor node againstthe measurements from the reference monitor to perform a calibration ofthe sensor node against the reference monitor. The result of thecalibration is a calibration profile, composed of calibration constantsand calibration model. “Calibration profile” refers to a set ofcalibration constants and a calibration model. Sensor node measurementshaving minimal error in relation to reference monitor measurements aregenerated by applying the calibration constants to the sensor nodemeasurements according to the calibration model. “Calibration constant”refers to a whole or rational number used in place of a variable in aformula for a calibration model. As a calibration model may have one ormore calibration constants, various methods may be used to determine thevalues for the calibration constants. In one example, calibrationconstants are determined by fitting a calibration model to themeasurement data from a sensor and a reference monitor of a co-locationpair. “Calibration model” refers to a mathematical model for relatingone or more random variables and one or more non-random variables andcalibrating measurement data from a sensor to remove measurement errorand bias. Examples of a calibration model include, but are not limitedto, a linear model, and the like.

In one example embodiment, a calibration model for determiningcalibrated measurement data is represented by the formulacalibrated_measurement=sensor measurement data*bias+offset, where thebias and offset comprise calibration constants. In another exampleembodiment, a calibration model for determining calibrated measurementdata is represented by the formula calibrated_measurement=sensormeasurement data*a+temperature_measurement*b+humidity_measurement*c+d,where a, b, c and d comprise calibration constants. In another exampleembodiment, a calibration model for determining calibrated measurementdata is represented by the formula calibrated_measurement=sensormeasurement data{circumflex over ( )}2*i+sensor measurement data*j+k,where i, j, and k comprise calibration constants.

The calibration constants applied to the sensor node measurementsaccording to the calibration model generate sensor node measurementsthat minimize the error between the sensor node measurements and thereference monitor measurements for the sensor node and the referencemonitor belonging to a co-location pair. Each calibration profile isstored in the storage control memory structure 922 by the datamanagement platform 920. As a non-limiting example, the data managementplatform 920 identifies the co-location pair 938 and the co-locationpair 940 and compares the measurements acquired by sensor node and thereference monitor measurements in each co-location pair to calculatecalibration profiles, which may be composed of an offset coefficient anda bias coefficient as calibration coefficients, and a linear model ascalibration model.

In another process, every time a reading from a sensor node is received,the data management platform 920 may select a calibration profile storedin storage control memory structure 922 and apply the calibrationprofile to correct the reading acquired by the sensor node and store thereading and the corrected measurement in the storage control memorystructure 922. As a non-limiting example, the measurements from thefirst sensor node 902, the sensor node 908, the sensor node 910, thesensor node 918 are corrected according to the calibration profilecalculated from the co-location pair 938, and measurements from thesensor node 912, the sensor node 914, and the sensor node 916 arecorrected according to the calibration profile calculated from theco-location pair 940.

The data management platform 920 is configured to make the measurementsand the measurements stored in the storage control memory structure 922may be sent via a data interface 942 to a data consumer 944 and a dataconsumer 946. In one non-limiting example, the data consumer 944 and thedata consumer 946 are applications that enable the application user todisplay and download the air quality measurements taken by the sensornodes at locations within the region 906 where it is desired to measurethe air quality.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operation method 1000 in accordance with oneembodiment. This method may employ a system such as that described withrespect to FIG. 9.

In block 1002, operation method 1000 may place a first sensor node neara reference monitor within a region. In block 1004, operation method1000 may place a plurality of sensor nodes at various locations withinthe region. In block 1006, operation method 1000 may gather measurementdata from the first sensor node, the reference monitor, and theplurality of sensor nodes.

In block 1008, operation method 1000 may determine a calibration profilefor each of the first sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodesbased on measurement data from the reference monitor. In block 1010,operation method 1000 may apply the calibration profile for each of thefirst sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes to measurement datafrom each of the first sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes toobtain calibrated measurement data for each of the sensor nodes.

In some embodiments, applying the calibration profile may comprisewirelessly communicating a calibration profile to each of the firstsensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes. In some embodiments,determining a calibration profile may comprise determining a calibrationmodel for the first sensor node and determining a set of calibrationconstants for the first sensor node. In some embodiments, applying thecalibration profile may comprise applying the calibration model tomeasurement data for the first sensor node to generate calibratedmeasurement data.

To ensure high accuracy, precision and reliable operation on the field,each individual sensor node may undergo thorough calibration at thefactory. The modular design of the sensor node may allow for scalableand parallel calibration. Calibration of deployed sensor nodes maycomprise transmitting a calibration profile to each of the first sensornode and the plurality of sensor nodes. This calibration profile may betransmitted wirelessly, over a cloud network configuration or by someother means. To allow city wide deployment of hundreds of sensor node,and to enable real-time reaction to air pollution events, a first sensornode may be collocated with government reference equipment for theentire duration of a monitoring project. Data from the governmentreference equipment may be used to calibrate data from the first sensornode, by allowing computation of bias and offset calibration constants.These computed bias and calibration constants may be applied inreal-time to the plurality of sensor nodes across the entire sensornetwork.

FIG. 11 illustrates the method utilized by a data management platform tocorrect the measurements acquired by a sensor node by applying acalibration profile in accordance with certain embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

A calibration method 1100 comprises the data management platformreceiving one measurement from the sensor node (block 1102). The datamanagement platform selects a calibration profile from the calibrationprofiles stored in storage media (block 1104). To select a calibrationprofile, the data management platform retrieves information about thenode that acquired the measurement in block 1102, and information aboutthe co-location pair that generated the calibration profile. In someembodiments the data management platform selects the calibration profilegenerated by the co-location pair whose reference monitor is closest tothe sensor node that acquired the measurement. In other embodimentsother selection criteria are used to select the calibration profile,where the selection criteria might make use of information including butnot limited to land use information, meteorological information, andtraffic information.

The data management platform may use the selected calibration profile tocorrect the sensor node measurement (block 1106). To correct the sensornode measurement, the data management platform uses the calibrationconstant within the calibration profile according to the calibrationmodel within the calibration profile. Next, the data management platformmay store the corrected sensor node measurement and the original sensornode measurement in storage media (block 1108).

In some embodiments, determining the calibration profile and applyingthe calibration profile for each of the first sensor node and theplurality of sensor nodes may be performed at a host in communicationwith the first sensor node, reference monitor, and plurality of sensornodes by way of a network. This host may be a computing device such asthe one illustrated in FIG. 13.

In some embodiments, applying the calibration profile for each of thefirst sensor node and the plurality of sensor nodes may further comprisecommunicating the calibration profile for each of the first sensor nodeand the plurality of sensor nodes to each of the first sensor node andthe plurality of sensor nodes such that the first sensor node and theplurality of sensor nodes apply the calibration profile to generatecalibrated measurement data. This communication may take place over anetwork as illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a sensor module measurement method 1200 inaccordance with one embodiment. The sensor module measurement method1200 comprises a start block 1202 and a state of waiting for a command(block 1204). If a command A is received (decision block 1206), then adetermination is made as to whether sensor measurements are available(decision block 1212). In an embodiment, a command A is a request forsensor measurements. If the sensor measurements are available, then themeasurements are communicated to the host device (such as the sensornode) via the sensor node controller 718 via serial interface (block1214), and the method waits for an additional command (block 1204). Themethod also waits for an additional command if the sensor measurementsare not available and communicates an error to the host device.

If a command A has not been received, then the method determines if acommand B has been received (decision block 1208). In an embodiment, acommand B is a request to initiate a sensor sampling procedure. If nocommand B has been received, then the method waits for an additionalcommand (block 1204). Upon verification that a command B has beenreceived, air flow is initiated in the sensor module (block 1210). Next,a scheduler is interrogated to initiate a timer and select a sensor inthe sensor module (block 1216). The sensor selected by the scheduler isread and its reading is stored in a buffer (block 1218). Themicrocontroller checks if the sampling time has elapsed (decision block1220). If the sampling time has not elapsed, then the scheduler isinterrogated again (block 1216). If the sampling time has elapsed, thenthe air flow is terminated (block 1222). Next, the sensor measurementsthat are stored in the buffer are averaged (block 1224) and the finalsensor measurements are stored (block 1226). In another embodiment, thesensor measurements that are stored in the buffer may be furtherprocessed with the aim of increasing measurement accuracy and reducingmeasurement noise. The method may then return to a state of waiting fora command (block 1204) and can return the final sensor measurements whenrequested by the host device. Command A and command B above areexemplary commands and are not limited thereto.

FIG. 13 is an example block diagram of a computing device 1300 that mayincorporate embodiments of the solution. FIG. 13 is merely illustrativeof a machine system to carry out aspects of the technical processesdescribed herein and does not limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations,modifications, and alternatives. In certain embodiments, the computingdevice 1300 includes a graphical user interface 1302, a data processingsystem 1304, a communication network 1306, communication networkinterface 1308, input device(s) 1310, output device(s) 1312, and thelike.

As depicted in FIG. 13, the data processing system 1304 may include oneor more processor(s) 1314 and a storage subsystem 1316. “Processor”refers to any circuitry, component, chip, die, package, or moduleconfigured to receive, interpret, decode, and execute machineinstructions. Examples of a processor may include, but are not limitedto, a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, anapplication-specific processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), System on a Chip (SoC), virtual processor, processorcore, and the like. The processor(s) 1314 communicate with a number ofperipheral devices via a bus subsystem 1318. These peripheral devicesmay include input device(s) 1310, output device(s) 1312, communicationnetwork interface 1308, and the storage subsystem 1316. The storagesubsystem 1316, in one embodiment, comprises one or more storage devicesand/or one or more memory devices. In one embodiment, storage devicesmay be block storage devices. “Storage device” refers to any hardware,system, sub-system, circuit, component, module, non-volatile memorymedia, hard disk drive, storage array, device, or apparatus configured,programmed, designed, or engineered to store data for a period of timeand retain the data in the storage device while the storage device isnot using power from a power supply. Examples of storage devicesinclude, but are not limited to, a hard disk drive, FLASH memory, MRAMmemory, a solid-state storage device, Just a Bunch Of Disks (JBOD), Justa Bunch Of Flash (JBOF), an external hard disk, an internal hard disk,and the like. “Memory” refers to any hardware, circuit, component,module, logic, device, or apparatus configured, programmed, designed,arranged, or engineered to retain data. Certain types of memory requireavailability of a constant power source to store and retain the data.Other types of memory retain and/or store the data when a power sourceis unavailable. “Block storage device” refers to a storage deviceconfigured to interface with external hosts, servers, components,controllers and the like according to a block protocol. This means thatunder normal operating conditions data stored on the storage media ofthe block storage device is accessible by storage command that operateon one or more data blocks. Access to data of the block storage deviceis not available under normal operating conditions in quantities smallerthan that defined for a data block. In other words, normal operationswith a block storage device do not permit access to data at a word,byte, or bit level.

In one embodiment, the storage subsystem 1316 includes a volatile memory1320 and a non-volatile memory 1322. The volatile memory 1320 and/or thenon-volatile memory 1322 may store computer-executable instructions thatalone or together form logic 1324 that when applied to, and executed by,the processor(s) 1314 implement embodiments of the processes disclosedherein. “Volatile memory” refers to a shorthand name for volatile memorymedia. In certain embodiments, volatile memory refers to the volatilememory media and the logic, controllers, processor(s), state machine(s),and/or other periphery circuits that manage the volatile memory mediaand provide access to the volatile memory media. “Volatile memory media”refers to any hardware, device, component, element, or circuitconfigured to maintain an alterable physical characteristic used torepresent a binary value of zero or one for which the alterable physicalcharacteristic reverts to a default state that no longer represents thebinary value when a primary power source is removed or unless a primarypower source is used to refresh the represented binary value. Examplesof volatile memory media include but are not limited to dynamicrandom-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), doubledata rate random-access memory (DDR RAM) or other random-accesssolid-state memory.

While the volatile memory media is referred to herein as “memory media,”in various embodiments, the volatile memory media may more generally bereferred to as volatile memory.

In certain embodiments, data stored in volatile memory media isaddressable at a byte level which means that the data in the volatilememory media is organized into bytes (8 bits) of data that each have aunique address, such as a logical address. “Non-volatile memory” refersto a shorthand name for non-volatile memory media. In certainembodiments, non-volatile memory media refers to the non-volatile memorymedia and the logic, controllers, processor(s), state machine(s), and/orother periphery circuits that manage the non-volatile memory media andprovide access to the non-volatile memory media.

“Non-volatile memory media” refers to any hardware, device, component,element, or circuit configured to maintain an alterable physicalcharacteristic used to represent a binary value of zero or one after aprimary power source is removed. Examples of the alterable physicalcharacteristic include, but are not limited to, a threshold voltage fora transistor, an electrical resistance level of a memory cell, a currentlevel through a memory cell, a magnetic pole orientation, aspin-transfer torque, and the like. The alterable physicalcharacteristic is such that, once set, does not change so much when aprimary power source for the non-volatile memory media is unavailablethe alterable physical characteristic can be measured, detected, orsensed, when the binary value is read, retrieved, or sensed. Saidanother way, non-volatile memory media is a storage media configuredsuch that data stored on the non-volatile memory media is retrievableafter a power source for the non-volatile memory media is removed andthen restored.

Examples of non-volatile memory media include but are not limited to:ReRAM, Memristor memory, programmable metallization cell memory,phase-change memory (PCM, PCME, PRAM, PCRAM, ovonic unified memory,chalcogenide RAM, or C-RAM), NAND flash memory (e.g., 2D NAND flashmemory, 3D NAND flash memory), NOR flash memory, nano random accessmemory (nano RAM or NRAM), nanocrystal wire-based memory, silicon-oxidebased sub-10 nanometer process memory, graphene memory,Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon (SONOS), programmable metallizationcell (PMC), conductive-bridging RAM (CBRAM), magneto-resistive RAM(MRAM), magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk, tape), optical storagemedia, or the like. While the non-volatile memory media is referred toherein as “memory media,” in various embodiments, the non-volatilememory media may more generally be referred to as non-volatile memory.Because non-volatile memory media is capable of storing data when apower supply is removed, the non-volatile memory media may also bereferred to as a recording media, non-volatile recording media, storagemedia, storage, non-volatile memory, volatile memory medium,non-volatile storage medium, non-volatile storage, or the like.

In certain embodiments, data stored in non-volatile memory media isaddressable at a block level which means that the data in thenon-volatile memory media is organized into data blocks that each have aunique logical address (e.g., LBA). In other embodiments, data stored innon-volatile memory media is addressable at a byte level which meansthat the data in the non-volatile memory media is organized into bytes(8 bits) of data that each have a unique address, such as a logicaladdress. One example of byte addressable non-volatile memory media isstorage class memory (SCM). “Logic” refers to machine memory circuits,non-transitory machine readable media, and/or circuitry which by way ofits material and/or material-energy configuration comprises controland/or procedural signals, and/or settings and values (such asresistance, impedance, capacitance, inductance, current/voltage ratings,etc.), that may be applied to influence the operation of a device.Magnetic media, electronic circuits, electrical and optical memory (bothvolatile and nonvolatile), and firmware are examples of logic. Logicspecifically excludes pure signals or software per se (however does notexclude machine memories comprising software and thereby formingconfigurations of matter). “Partition identifier” refers to anyidentifier for a logical partition or physical partition.

The input device(s) 1310 include devices and mechanisms for inputtinginformation to the data processing system 1304. These may include akeyboard, a keypad, a touch screen incorporated into the graphical userinterface 1302, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems,microphones, and other types of input devices. In various embodiments,the input device(s) 1310 may be embodied as a computer mouse, atrackball, a track pad, a joystick, wireless remote, drawing tablet,voice command system, eye tracking system, and the like. The inputdevice(s) 1310 typically allow a user to select objects, icons, controlareas, text and the like that appear on a graphical user interface 1302via a command such as a click of a button or the like.

The output device(s) 1312 include devices and mechanisms for outputtinginformation from the data processing system 1304. These may include thegraphical user interface 1302, speakers, printers, infrared LEDs, and soon, as well understood in the art. In certain embodiments, the graphicaluser interface 1302 is coupled to the bus subsystem 1318 directly by wayof a wired connection. In other embodiments, the graphical userinterface 1302 couples to the data processing system 1304 by way of thecommunication network interface 1308. For example, the graphical userinterface 1302 may comprise a command line interface on a separatecomputing device 1300 such as desktop, server, or mobile device.

The communication network interface 1308 provides an interface tocommunication networks (e.g., communication network 1306) and devicesexternal to the data processing system 1304. The communication networkinterface 1308 may serve as an interface for receiving data from andtransmitting data to other systems. Embodiments of the communicationnetwork interface 1308 may include an Ethernet interface, a modem(telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN), (asynchronous) digital subscriberline (DSL), FireWire, USB, a wireless communication interface such asBluetooth or WiFi, a near field communication wireless interface, acellular interface, and the like.

The communication network interface 1308 may be coupled to thecommunication network 1306 via an antenna, a cable, or the like. In someembodiments, the communication network interface 1308 may be physicallyintegrated on a circuit board of the data processing system 1304, or insome cases may be implemented in software or firmware, such as “softmodems”, or the like.

The computing device 1300 may include logic that enables communicationsover a network using protocols such as HTTP, TCP/IP, RTP/RTSP, IPX, UDPand the like.

The volatile memory 1320 and the non-volatile memory 1322 are examplesof tangible storage media configured to store computer readable data andinstructions to implement various embodiments of the processes describedherein. “Storage media” refers to any physical media organized andconfigured to store one or more bits of data. In one embodiment, storagemedia refers to physical storage cells and/or memory cells used involatile memory media. In another embodiment, storage media refers tophysical storage cells and/or memory cells used in non-volatile memorymedia. Other types of tangible media include removable memory (e.g.,pluggable USB memory devices, mobile device SIM cards), optical storagemedia such as CD-ROMS, DVDs, semiconductor memories such as flashmemories, non-transitory read-only-memories (ROMS), battery-backedvolatile memories, networked storage devices, and the like. The volatilememory 1320 and the non-volatile memory 1322 may be configured to storethe basic programming and data constructs that provide the functionalityof the disclosed processes and other embodiments thereof that fallwithin the scope of the present invention.

Logic 1324 that implements one or more parts of embodiments of thesolution may be stored in the volatile memory 1320 and/or thenon-volatile memory 1322. Logic 1324 may be read from the volatilememory 1320 and/or non-volatile memory 1322 and executed by theprocessor(s) 1314. The volatile memory 1320 and the non-volatile memory1322 may also provide a repository for storing data used by the logic1324.

The volatile memory 1320 and the non-volatile memory 1322 may include anumber of memories including a main random-access memory (RAM) forstorage of instructions and data during program execution and a readonly memory (ROM) in which read-only non-transitory instructions arestored. The volatile memory 1320 and the non-volatile memory 1322 mayinclude a file storage subsystem providing persistent (non-volatile)storage for program and data files. The volatile memory 1320 and thenon-volatile memory 1322 may include removable storage systems, such asremovable flash memory.

The bus subsystem 1318 provides a mechanism for enabling the variouscomponents and subsystems of data processing system 1304 communicatewith each other as intended. Although the communication networkinterface 1308 is depicted schematically as a single bus, someembodiments of the bus subsystem 1318 may utilize multiple distinctbusses.

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thecomputing device 1300 may be a device such as a smartphone, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a rack-mounted computer system, a computerserver, or a tablet computer device. As commonly known in the art, thecomputing device 1300 may be implemented as a collection of multiplenetworked computing devices. Further, the computing device 1300 willtypically include operating system logic (not illustrated) the types andnature of which are well known in the art.

Terms used herein should be accorded their ordinary meaning in therelevant arts, or the meaning indicated by their use in context, but ifan express definition is provided, that meaning controls.

“Circuitry” refers to electrical circuitry having at least one discreteelectrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specificintegrated circuit, circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured bya computer program which at least partially carries out processes ordevices described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,forms of random access memory), or circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). “Firmware” refers to software logic embodied asprocessor-executable instructions stored on volatile memory media and/ornon-volatile memory media. “Hardware”, in certain embodiments, refers tologic embodied as analog and/or digital circuitry. “Software” refers tologic implemented as processor-executable instructions in a machinememory (e.g. read/write volatile memory media or non-volatile memorymedia).

Various functional operations described herein may be implemented inlogic that is referred to using a noun or noun phrase reflecting saidoperation or function. For example, an association operation may becarried out by an “associator” or “correlator”. Likewise, switching maybe carried out by a “switch”, selection by a “selector”, and so on.

Within this disclosure, different entities (which may variously bereferred to as “units,” “circuits,” other components, etc.) may bedescribed or claimed as “configured” to perform one or more tasks oroperations. This formulation—[entity] configured to [perform one or moretasks]—is used herein to refer to structure (i.e., something physical,such as an electronic circuit). More specifically, this formulation isused to indicate that this structure is arranged to perform the one ormore tasks during operation. A structure can be said to be “configuredto” perform some task even if the structure is not currently beingoperated. A “credit distribution circuit configured to distributecredits to a plurality of processor cores” is intended to cover, forexample, an integrated circuit that has circuitry that performs thisfunction during operation, even if the integrated circuit in question isnot currently being used (e.g., a power supply is not connected to it).Thus, an entity described or recited as “configured to” perform sometask refers to something physical, such as a device, circuit, memorystoring program instructions executable to implement the task, etc. Thisphrase is not used herein to refer to something intangible.

The term “configured to” is not intended to mean “configurable to.” Anunprogrammed FPGA, for example, would not be considered to be“configured to” perform some specific function, although it may be“configurable to” perform that function after programming.

Reciting in the appended claims that a structure is “configured to”perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C.§ 112(f) for that claim element. Accordingly, claims in this applicationthat do not otherwise include the “means for” [performing a function]construct should not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C § 112(f).

As used herein, the term “based on” is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose thepossibility that additional factors may affect the determination. Thatis, a determination may be solely based on specified factors or based onthe specified factors as well as other, unspecified factors. Considerthe phrase “determine A based on B.” This phrase specifies that B is afactor that is used to determine A or that affects the determination ofA. This phrase does not foreclose that the determination of A may alsobe based on some other factor, such as C. This phrase is also intendedto cover an embodiment in which A is determined based solely on B. Asused herein, the phrase “based on” is synonymous with the phrase “basedat least in part on.”

As used herein, the phrase “in response to” describes one or morefactors that trigger an effect. This phrase does not foreclose thepossibility that additional factors may affect or otherwise trigger theeffect. That is, an effect may be solely in response to those factors,or may be in response to the specified factors as well as other,unspecified factors. Consider the phrase “perform A in response to B.”This phrase specifies that B is a factor that triggers the performanceof A. This phrase does not foreclose that performing A may also be inresponse to some other factor, such as C. This phrase is also intendedto cover an embodiment in which A is performed solely in response to B.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used as labels fornouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g.,spatial, temporal, logical, etc.), unless stated otherwise. For example,in a register file having eight registers, the terms “first register”and “second register” can be used to refer to any two of the eightregisters, and not, for example, just logical registers 0 and 1.

When used in the claims, the term “or” is used as an inclusive or andnot as an exclusive or. For example, the phrase “at least one of x, y,or z” means any one of x, y, and z, as well as any combination thereof.

“Data management platform” in this context refers to a centralizedsystem for collecting and analyzing large sets of data originating fromdisparate sources. A data management platform creates a combineddevelopment and delivery environment that provides users withconsistent, accurate and timely data. At its simplest, a data managementplatform could be a database management system that imports data frommany systems and enables users to view the data in a consistent manner.A high-end data management platform might combine data managementtechnologies and data analytics tools into a single software suite. Akey role of a data management platform is to collect structured andunstructured data from a range of internal and external sources, and tothen integrate and store that data. These platforms also analyze andorganize data to provide insight to data-driven parts of the business.

Herein, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” do notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Unless thecontext clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and theclaims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to beconstrued in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustivesense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural orsingular number respectively, unless expressly limited to a single oneor multiple ones. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” andwords of similar import, when used in this application, refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list, unless expressly limitedto one or the other. Any terms not expressly defined herein have theirconventional meaning as commonly understood by those having skill in therelevant art(s).

It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limitedin its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable ofother embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in variousways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, systems, methods and media forcarrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including suchequivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spiritand scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustratedin the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that thepresent disclosure has been made only by way of example, and thatnumerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosedsubject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosed subject matter, which is limited only by the claimswhich follow. Having thus described illustrative embodiments in detail,it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The scopeof inventive subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodimentsbut is rather set forth in the following Claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an interchangeable sensormodule configured to monitor an air sample for one or morecharacteristics; and an enclosure comprising an enclosure inlet openingand enclosing the interchangeable sensor module, a power moduleconfigured to supply power, a communication module configured toestablish a wireless communication channel over a network with a host,and a controller configured to manage the interchangeable sensor moduleand to send measurement data to the host by way of the wirelesscommunication channel, wherein the interchangeable sensor module isconfigured to removably couple to the controller and the power module,and wherein: the interchangeable sensor module comprises: a sensormodule body; a plurality of air quality sensors positioned within thesensor module body; and a sensor module inlet port through the sensormodule body; when the interchangeable sensor module is removably coupledto the controller and the power module, the sensor module inlet portextends through the enclosure inlet opening and into an ambientenvironment external to the enclosure; a first air quality sensor of theplurality of air quality sensors comprises an active sampling mechanism;and the active sampling mechanism is configured to expose each one ofthe first air quality sensor and a second air quality sensor to the airsample from the ambient environment along an airflow path.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the enclosure is configured to atmosphericallyisolate the interchangeable sensor module from the power module, thecommunication module, and the controller; the system further comprisingremovable fasteners configured to engage the enclosure and theinterchangeable sensor module.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thepower module comprises a solar power module configured to supply currentas a primary power source and a battery configured to selectively supplycurrent as the primary power source and to supplement power supplied bythe solar power module.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the enclosurecomprises a gimbal fastener configured to engage the solar power moduleand to integrate the solar power module with the system.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a body and a lid, the lidconfigured to seal an enclosure opening from moisture ingress when thelid is closed, the enclosure opening sized to slidably accept theinterchangeable sensor module when the lid is opened.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board configured toconnect the power module, the communication module, and the controller,the printed circuit board further comprising an input/output connectorconfigured to couple the interchangeable sensor module to the printedcircuit board.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a secondinterchangeable sensor module configured to monitor one or moreenvironmental characteristics, the second interchangeable sensor moduleconfigured to sit within the enclosure and configured to removablycouple to the controller and the power module.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising a universal mount configured to mount the enclosurein a plurality of mounting configurations.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein: the first air quality sensor further comprises: a chassis; andcircuitry positioned within the chassis and configured to detect acharacteristic of the air sample; and the active sampling mechanism ispositioned within the chassis.
 10. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a filter fastened to an end of the sensor module inlet portin the ambient environment external to the enclosure.
 11. A systemcomprising: a communication module; a data processor; a swappable sensormodule; and an enclosure comprising walls forming an enclosed space,wherein: the communication module and the data processor are locatedwithin the enclosed space; the communication module is configured to:receive instructions to operate the sensor module from a data managementplatform that is remote from the enclosure; and send an output readingto the data management platform; the data processor is configured tooperate the sensor module in response to the instructions; the sensormodule comprises: a sensor module circuit board; an airflow structurecoupled to the sensor module circuit board for forming an airflow space;and a plurality of air quality sensors positioned within the airflowspace and electrically coupled to the sensor module circuit board; andwhen the sensor module is positioned within the enclosed space, thesensor module is configured to: operate an active sampling mechanism ofa first air quality sensor of the plurality of air quality sensors inresponse to the instructions to direct an aerosol stream, from anambient environment external to the sensor module, along an airflow pathwithin the airflow space to at least two of the plurality of air qualitysensors, wherein the at least two of the plurality of air qualitysensors are arranged in series along the airflow path; operate each ofthe at least two of the plurality of air quality sensors to generate aseries of internal readings during operation of the active samplingmechanism; generate the output reading for each of the at least two ofthe plurality of air quality sensors from the series of readings; andatmospherically isolate the airflow space from the communication moduleand the data processor within the enclosed space.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising a power module, wherein: the power moduleis located within the enclosed space; the sensor module is furtherconfigured to: receive a current from the power module; and operate theactive sampling mechanism of the first air quality sensor of theplurality of air quality sensors utilizing the current in response tothe instructions; and the power module is configured to: select a sourceof the current from a solar panel and a battery; and determine whetherto charge the battery utilizing the solar panel.
 13. The system of claim11, wherein: the enclosure further comprises: one or more orifices; andan enclosure top coupled to an enclosure bottom; and the enclosure iswaterproofed at the one or more orifices and the enclosure top to theenclosure bottom by one or more o-rings.
 14. The system of claim 11,wherein: the at least two of the plurality of air quality sensorscomprise: a particle counter; and at least one other air quality sensor;and the airflow structure comprises at least one baffle to direct theaerosol stream to the at least one other air quality sensor prior todirecting the aerosol stream to the particle counter.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein: the at least two of the plurality of air qualitysensors comprise: the first air quality sensor comprising the activesampling mechanism and a particle counter; and at least one other airquality sensor; and the airflow structure is configured to direct theaerosol stream to the at least one other air quality sensor prior todirecting the aerosol stream to the particle counter.
 16. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the active sampling mechanism comprises one of a fanor a blower.
 17. A system comprising: a removable sensor modulecomprising: a sensor module body defining a sensor module space; asensor module inlet port through the sensor module body; a sensor moduleoutlet port through the sensor module body; and a plurality of airquality sensors positioned within the sensor module space; a circuitboard comprising an input/output connector configured to removablycouple the removable sensor module to the circuit board; an enclosuredefining an enclosure space configured to house the circuit board andthe removable sensor module when the removable sensor module isremovably coupled to the circuit board; an enclosure inlet openingthrough the enclosure; and an enclosure outlet opening through theenclosure, wherein, when the removable sensor module is removablycoupled to the circuit board: an active sampling mechanism of theremovable sensor module is configured to direct an aerosol stream froman ambient environment external to the enclosure, through the enclosureinlet opening and through the sensor module inlet port, to one and thento another one of at least two of the plurality of air quality sensorswithin the sensor module space, and then, through the sensor moduleoutlet port and through the enclosure outlet opening, to the ambientenvironment external to the enclosure; and the removable sensor moduleis configured to isolate the aerosol stream from the circuit board. 18.The system of claim 17, wherein: the one of the at least two of theplurality of air quality sensors comprises a particle counter; and thesensor module forms an airflow structure to direct the aerosol stream tothe other one of the at least two of the plurality of air qualitysensors prior to directing the aerosol stream to the one of the at leasttwo of the plurality of air quality sensors comprising the particlecounter.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein: the at least two of theplurality of air quality sensors comprise: a first air quality sensorcomprising the active sampling mechanism and a particle counter; and atleast one other air quality sensor; and the sensor module forms anairflow structure to direct the aerosol stream to the at least one otherair quality sensor prior to directing the aerosol stream to the firstair quality sensor.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the sensormodule inlet port passes through the enclosure inlet opening and intothe ambient environment external to the enclosure when the removablesensor module is removably coupled to the circuit board.
 21. The systemof claim 20, wherein the sensor module outlet port passes through theenclosure outlet opening and into the ambient environment external tothe enclosure when the removable sensor module is removably coupled tothe circuit board.
 22. The system of claim 17, wherein a first airquality sensor of the plurality of air quality sensors comprises theactive sampling mechanism.